As the genre of fantasy can be manipulated in so many different variations, it is difficult to say that there are generic codes and conventions that may be applied to it. i.e. Lord of the Rings has a totally different structure and concept to Harry Potter. However there are some general concepts that many fantasy films tend to follow, these are: emotive and romanticised narratives, hyper-real representations i.e. the creation of new species, aspirational characters - often undertaking a quest, political narrative themes (e.g. to do with minority groups), positive narrative outcomes, linear narrative, often set in the past or an imagined time and appeal to an audience due to the theme of escapism.
Example: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
How does this film conform or challenge the generic conventions of it's genre?
Emotive and romanticised narratives - The narrator, Bilbo, tells Frodo of the good times in Erebor, before the dwarves had their homeland stolen from them. He uses engaging and expressive language to pain a rich tapestry in the imagination of Frodo, allowing him to picture exactly what he is being told.
Hyper-real representations - Images of dwarves and hobbits are shown. Neither of these species are real and have been created solely for the purpose of storytelling and stretching the imaginations of the film's viewers.
Aspirational characters - Bilbo goes on an adventure with Gandalf to find the Arkenstone from Smaug's lair and reclaim Erebor for the dwarves.
Political narrative - There is a strong message about belonging and how wrong it is to take what does not belong to you.
Positive narrative outcomes - The homeland is reclaimed and Bilbo is successful
Linear narrative - The narrative starts from the original encounter between Bilbo and Gandalf and finishes with the end of the quest, telling stories throughout of events which happen during the quest.
Setting- The world in which The Hobbit is set is purely fiction.
Escapism - The film allows it's viewers to enter a hyper-reality and engage themselves in what is happening as if they were there. They can escape from the everyday.
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